A lemonade stand might seem like an unusual sight inside a convent, but on Aug. 4, Sacred Heart Convent’s library became the setting for a little taste of summer – complete with lemonade, cookies, conversation and plenty of good books.
The morning gathering was organized by Sister Beverly Jeanne Howe, OP, director of the Motherhouse library, as a way to invite Sisters to make greater use of the library and its many resources. Along with refreshments, the event gave Sisters an opportunity to visit with one another, browse the collection and share ideas about books they would like to see added to the library.
The lemonade stand itself was part of the fun. Associates Diane Vendola and Marcia Stoffel, friends of the Sisters from the Chicago area, built the stand and brought it to Sacred Heart Convent to create the atmosphere of a traditional summertime lemonade stand.
“Lemonade stands are a piece of Americana. What a wonderful idea for a summer day,” said Sister Dorothy Marie Solak, OP.
Sister Phyllis Schenk, OP, appreciated the details. “The ambiance is wonderful and having real lemons is a nice touch,” she said. Sister Celestine Rondelli, OP, was reminded of childhood summers: “We never had a lemonade stand but we sure had a Kool-Aid stand. I think we made 18 cents.”
The morning also offered a chance to celebrate another kind of refreshment – the written work of Springfield Dominican Sisters.
A display featured more than 20 books published or co-written by Sisters over the years, drawn from books preserved in the congregation’s archives. The titles reflect the remarkable breadth of the Sisters’ ministries and interests, from spirituality and creation care to education, peace and justice, science, history and intercultural understanding.
For Sister Beverly Jeanne, the morning was ultimately about creating an inviting reason for Sisters to come through the library doors.
“There is no expectation,” she said. “It’s one way we can get more Sisters to visit the library and to highlight the books that our Sisters have published.”
Sometimes, a little lemonade is all it takes to bring people together – and perhaps inspire someone to pick up a good book along the way.
Books Written by the Springfield Dominican Sisters
“The Love of Christ Impels Us” by Sr. Susan Karina Dickey, OP and Sr. Josephine Therese Uhl, OP
“Come to the Water” by Sr. Susan Karina Dickey, OP
“2024 Manual papa de la palabra” by Sr. Mila Diaz Solano, OP, et al
“Earth Spirituality: In the Catholic and Dominican Traditions” by Sr. Sharon Zayac, OP
“Science and Christ – A Dialogue” by Co-authors: Richard Chiola, Ph.D with Sr. Sharon Zayac, OP
“Grace and Guts for School Leaders: Practical Prayers” by Sr. M. Paul McCaughey, OP
“Learning Centers Saints” by Sr. Catherine Stewart, OP
“Enriching Faith Lessons and Activities on Prayer” by Sr. Catherine Stewart, OP
“Facing Cancer with Mary” by Sr. Catherine Stewart, OP
“Enfrentando a Cancer con Maria” (Spanish) by Sr. Catherine Stewart, OP
“Facing Cancer With Mary” (Korean) by Sr. Catherine Stewart, OP
“Tools For Conflict Resolution” by Ellen M. O’Keefe and Sr. Catherine Stewart, OP
“Flavors of Hope: To Embrace the Rich Diversity of People” by Sr. Judith Hilbing, OP
“Sabores de esperanza” (Spanish Edition) by Sr. Judith Hilbing, OP
“Things Go Better With Peace” by Sr. Paul Mary Janssens, OP and Sr. Pauletta Overbeck, OP
“Signs” by Sr. Alverna Hollis, OP
“Communicando con senas Peruana” (Spanish) by Sr. Alverna Hollis, OP
“Lest We Forget - Springfield Dominicans (1873-1973)by Sr. Thomas Aquinas Winterbauer, OP
“Our Government and Our Civic Duties” by Sr. M. Theophilia Beirne, OP
“With Love – From Mother” by Sr. Maureen Flynn, OP
“This Place Called Lourdes” by Sr. Maureen Flynn, OP
“Reflections, Art and Verse of Divine Love” by Sr. Regina Marie Bernet, OP
(Sisters whose names are written in italics are already deceased.)
